Paradoxical
/ˌpær.əˈdɒk.sɪ.kəl/noun
Seemingly absurd or self-contradictory but may in fact be true.
Did you know?The term 'paradox' comes from Greek roots meaning 'beyond belief,' suggesting a connection to the mystical and the unknown.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
παράδοξος (parádoxtos)
“Contrary to expectation or belief.”
Late Latin
Latin
paradoxus
“A statement that seems contradictory but is true.”
Middle English
Middle English
paradoxe
“A statement that challenges conventional wisdom.”
Modern English
English
paradoxical
“Relating to a paradox; seemingly contradictory.”